Davidson Day announces changes to expansion plans

Davidson Day School announced this week it has decided to modify its plans for expansion to eventually open a single campus for all grades in Davidson.

Last year, the school announced plans to build a second campus for students in seventh-12th grades in Mooresville.

But this school year saw the hiring of a Kendell Berry, the new head of school, and a re-evaluation of school plans and priorities. The campus will cost about $4 million, according to a news release from the school.

“Make no mistake, the Trustees’ and administration’s unwavering strategy and commitment is to make Davidson Day School the premier independent school in the Lake Norman area, and to be the private school of choice in the North Charlotte market,” Berry said.

This campus plan will add 20,000 square feet to the existing campus, including construction of two stories of classrooms, science labs and a student lounge. The project also calls for building out the far side of Yates Gym and Gordon Theatre to expand gym practice space and to include full locker rooms, prop and instrument storage for performing arts, a dedicated music hall, and athletic and music offices.

“These improvements, along with the already planned $250,000 refurbishment of Gordon Theatre this summer and fall, will enable our existing facilities to accommodate 750 students comfortably. This facility will allow us to grow organically and expand the student body with the appropriate students,” according to a news release.

“We are excited for the next phase of appropriate growth for Davidson Day School. We strongly believe that this will elevate us to our next level of success,” Richard Gordon, chairman of the school’s board, said.

Davidson Day School is located at 750 Jetton St., Davidson. The private school began in 1999 as Acclaim Academy, serving students in preschool through eighth grade. The school became Davidson Day in 2001 and began adding high school grades in 2005.